SELF-ERECTING PORTABLE FABRIC STRUCTURE

Abstract: An elongated portable structure for the use as a tent or the like, having an end panel (12) at each end. Each end panel comprises an annular hoop (26) of flexible, resilient, strip material which can be reduced to a much smaller dimension by twisting. A sheet (28) of substantially non-stretchable, flexible fabric in the space whithin each hoop is secured to the hoop so that the sheet is maintained taut and will resist collapse or distorsion of the hoop. The end panels are maintained in generally upright position by at least one spreader rod (18) extending between the end panels and struts (20, 22) connected to the ends of the rod and attached to the respective end panels. A rigid force distributor (24) may be attached to each strut to engage the sheet within each hoop. A flexible fabric cover (16) with an opening extends between the end panels to provide shelter for a person or persons occupying the structure.

Description: SELF-ERECTING PORTABLE FABRIC STRUCTURE This invention relates to structures particularly but not exclusively to portable, free-standing structures suitable for shelters such as tents and emergency protection. Specifically, the invention sets new standards of convenience, comfort, reliability and lightness in fabric-tensioned structures. The particular structure described is of a size and weight such that it may be packed and erected by a single user to provide remote shelter. Another embodiment is of a size such that it may be adapted to provide protection feasibly as a quonset-type building and all interim sizes. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fully freestanding, portable structure. A second objective of this invention is to provide such a structure which can be erected readily by a single person and, in fact, can best be described as self-erecting. Another object of the invention is to provide a versatile structure which can be made in a plurality of sizes depending on design parameters. Still another object of the invention is to provide a structure which can readily be folded into a compact, small size for storage and transportation purposes. It is further an object of this invention to provide such a structure which is extremely simple and economical to manufacture. It is a further object of this invention to provide a fully-usable floor, increased headroom and greater cubic living space while using less fabric than prior structures. It is still a further object to provide a structure light in weight. A further object is the provision of a novel, inherently integrated design wherein a fabric-covered hoop supports the structure's weight and forms it's walls. A still further object is to provide a rugged, essentially non-breakable structure. A further object is to provide a stable, windworthy structure. A still further object is the provision whereby a hoop, fabric therefore and cover cooperate to define a unitary assembly of unique design and decorative appearance. The above and other objects are realized by the provision of a self-contained freestanding tension structure which in general terms comprises one or more hoops of flexible coilable resilient material affixed to a flexible fabric-like taut sheet material; more particularly, by securement at least at a plurality of points between the fabric and the hoop. The hoop, because of its constraint, assumes a shape in its in-use position corresponding generally to a circle. The hoops are spread apart by a segmented rod which exerts tension horizontally and in opposite directions. The frame, as described, is held in the desired in-use configuration by a flexible fabric cover extending between the hoops. Because of the coilable nature of the support, the structure can be "collapsed" in an orderly fashion by manipulating the hoops in a simple manner as will be described. Upon collapse, the structure assumes a flat generally circular configuration which is readily portable and which virtually self-erects upon further manipulation. The features, advantages, and objects of my invention which are explicit and implicit in the foregoing as well as others will become apparent and more fully understood from the following detailed description of the invention made in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tent constructed in accordance with the invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the hardware, including spreader rod, struts, force distributor and end hoops of the tent of Figure 1, with the fabric in phantom lines. Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 3-3 in Figure 1. Figure 4 is an end view of the tent shown in Figure 1, with a strap added for retaining collapsed hardware. Figure 5 is similar to Figure 4 but shows the strut and a portion of the spreader rod in collapsed position. Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6-6 in Figure 4. Figure 7 is an enlargement of a portion of Figure 4, shown in perspective. Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on the line 8-8 in Figure 4. Figure 9 is a fragmentary view showing the spreader rod and one strut in extended position and also showing a portion of the other strut. Figure 10 is a sectional view of a portion of Figure 9. Figure 11 is an enlargement of a portion of Figure 5. Figure 12 is a sectional view of a collapsed strut taken on the line 12-12 in Figure 11. Figure 13 is a sectional view taken on the line 12-12 in Figure 11, showing the force distributor in section and the collapsed strut in elevation. Figure 14 is an elevational view of an end hoop in a partially twisted position. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the end hoop fully twisted for transportation or storage. Figures 16-18 are diagrammatic views generally similar to Figure 2 but showing different arrangements of the hardware, spreader rod, struts and force distributors. Figures 19 and 20 diagrammatically show further modifications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the enclosure 10 is an elongated portable structure for sheltering one or more persons, commonly referred to as a tent. The structure or tent 10 comprises end panels 12 and 14, a flexible cover 16, and means for holding the end panels in longitudinally spaced, generally upright position including a spreader rod 18 extending between the end panels, struts 20 and 22 connecting the ends of the rods to the end panels, and force distributors 24 carried by the struts. The end panels are preferably of identical construction, each comprising a generally circular hoop 26 of flexible, resilient strip material such as spring steel or plastic, for example, and a sheet 28 of substantially non-stretchable flexible fabric. The hoops are probably best described as annular, meaning that they are generally ring shaped, but not necessary round or circular, and either endless or, if not endless, having abutting or substantially abutting ends. The fabric sheet 28 is circular (as shown) or the same shape as the hoop, and its outer edge is permanently secured as by stitching to the hoop throughout at least a major portion of the circumference thereof. The sheet is held taut by the hoop and resists distortion or collapse of the hoop. The end panels also have generally triangular flaps 30 which are integral with the sheets 28 and extend outwardly at the two lower quadrants. Flaps 30 preferably have vertical edges 32 which are tangent to the front and rear extremities of the hoops and bottom horizontal edges 31 which contact the ground. The cover 16 is of substantially non-stretchable flexible fabric and extends between the end panels 12 and 14. It is held fairly taut by having its ends stitched or otherwise permanently secured to the margins of the end otherwise permanently secured to the margins of the end panels, either to the hoops or to the edges of the sheets 28, along either the full periphery or the tops and sides thereof. The sides of the cover 16 preferably extend to the ground. The generally vertical edges of the sides of the cover may be secured to the generally vertical edges 32 of the end flaps either permanently as by stitching or by releasable fasteners. The cover 16 preferably has an o opening 33 for ingress and egress which may be closed by a flap 35 and retained closed by a zipper 37 or similar releasable fastening means. The cover 16 may also have a window 19 which may be a simple opening or be covered by a flexible screen or transparent sheet for ventilation and/or viewing. The structure may be floorless and erected over bare ground, or a rectangular pad 34 may be laid on the ground to cover the ground area enclosed by the structure. The side edges of the pad and the bottom edges of the sides of the cover may be permanently secured as by stitching or removably secured together preferably by fastener strips 36 and 38 of the hook and loop type, commonly known as Velcro fastener strips. The end edges of the pad 34 may be similarly secured to the bottom edges of the end flaps 30. Flaps with grommets can be attached to cover 16 or pad 34 to further secure the structure, as during severe weather, by utilizing stakes in the normal manner. The spreader rod 18 is preferably composed of tubular rod segments 40-45. The rod segment 42 has a coupling sleeve 46 secured on one end which receives an end of rod segment 43. Coupling sleeve 46 may, if desired, be releasably connected to the cover 16 as by a fastener 47. A leaf spring 48 within rod segment 43 has one end secured to the rod segment 43 and a pin lock 50 on the other end which projects through an opening 52 in the segment 43. See Figure 10. The pin lock 50 engages in a hole 54 in the sleeve 46 to releasably lock rod segments 42 and 43 together. The rod segments 40 and 42 have reduced ends fitted in the ends of intermediate rod segment 41, and rod segments 43 and 45 have reduced ends similarly interfitted with intermediate rod segment 44. Straps 51 at spaced points along the bottom of the rear side of the cover 16 loop around the spreader rod to releasably connect the cover and rod together. Straps are also preferably provided at the intersection of the spreader rod and struts. Each strut 20, 22 is preferably composed of elongated tubular strut segments 60, 62 and 64. The strut segment 60 telescopes within the larger diameter strut segment 62, and the strut segment 62 telescopes within the still larger diameter strut segment 64. The small diameter strut 60 has a sleeve 65 rigidly connected to the side of one end thereof. One end of rod segment 40 is fitted in the sleeve 65 of strut 20, and one end of rod segment 45 is fitted in the sleeve 65 of strut 22. The strut segments have spring mounted pin locks 69 engageable in openings 71 to releasably retain the strut segments in the extended position of Figures 1, 2, 4 and 9 or the collapsed position of Figures 5 and 11-13. The force distributor 24 for each strut is secured in surface-to-surface relation to the fabric sheet 28 of an end panel as by stitching. The distributor 24 may, as an alternative or in addition to stitching, be secured directly to the hoop. The force distributor 24 operates to radiate force outwardly from the strut. It may be of any suitable design as long as it fits within an imaginary boundary approximately one-third the hoop dimensions and thereby does not interfere with the folding of the hoop. It may, for example, be a star-like figure and spread force along radial lines. It may be an annulus of circular or non-circular design. Each force distributor 24 is preferably a ring- shaped, flat circular member which, because of its width, extends the supporting effect of the strut over a wider area and thus resists the tendency of the end panel to twist or collapse. Strut segment 64 of each strut extends across and is rigidly secured to a force distributor. The struts may be releasably connected to the hoops and/or end panel preferably by a hooking device 11. When a single spreader rod is employed, the force distributors on the ends of the struts are preferably at the 12 o'clock position. Even though the embodiment of Figures 1-15 show the force distributor displaced slightly from 12 o'clock, the 12 o'clock position is preferred. The rod segments 40-45 are held releasably interengaged by flexible elastic cords 70, 72 disposed within the rod segments under tension. Cord 70 is secured at one end to an anchor 74 in rod segment 42 and is secured at the other end to another anchor 76 in strut segment 60 of one strut 20. Cord 72 is secured at one end to an anchor 78 in rod segment 43 and is secured at the other end to an anchor, similar to anchor 76, in the strut segment 60 of the other strut 22. When the tent is to be collapsed, the pin lock 50 is depressed to release rod segments 42 and 43. The rod segments 40, 41 and 42 may then be separated and folded side by side, the strut segments 60, 62 and 64 of the associated strut 20 telescoped fully within one another, and the folded rod segments placed alongside the telescoped strut segments. See Figures 5, and 11-13. A flexible strap 82 attached to the fabric sheet 28 of the end panel 12 can be wrapped over the folded rod segments and collapsed strut segments and the ends thereof releasably held together by the snap fastener 84. In the same manner, the folded rod segments 43, 44 and 45 may be folded together and placed alongside the collapsed strut segments of the other strut 22 and held attached to the fabric sheet of the other end panel by a similar flexible strap. The end panels of the collapsed tent may be twisted into a flat coil of reduced diameter for storage. Figures 14 and 15 show the hoop 26 only of an end panel, to illustrate how it may be twisted once (Figure 14) and then again (Figure 15) to about one-third its normal size. It will be noted that the force distributor 24 is of a size and shape and so placed that it does not interfere with such twisting of the hoop. Actually, the hoop might be further twisted to one-ninth its normal size, although that might require the force distributor either to be smaller or itself to be collapsible or telescoping so that it can be reduced in size. In embodiments later to be described where force distributors may not be desired, the hoop may quite easily be reduced to one-ninth its normal size. Because the end panels may thus be twisted to a much smaller size, the entire tent structure is capable of being collapsed to a fraction of its dimensions when erect for convenient transportation and storage. The hoop can take on any of a wide variety of specific configurations which offer separate advantages. For example, the preferred means to keep the tent from rolling is to compel the hoop into an oval shape or one with a generally flat side (or sides) ; this is preferably done by increasing tension in the hoop's covering fabric. The hoop can also be fabricated to have generally square corner(s) , or shaped to be an arch. Also, the hoop's resilient strip need not be continuous and it may involve extension(s) communicating with the structure's floor. Further, the resilient strip can be made into a quantity of separate hoops or coiled in a continuous fashion and substituted for the single-hoop embodiment illustrated. The spreader rod assists in keeping the tent from shifting or rolling about the aligned axes of the hoops. The spreader rod, by reason of its weight and its off-set position on the ground along the rear of the tent, and/or its attachment to the tent cover and to the struts and force distributors, effectively maintains the tent in a stable condition. The fabric can take on a wide variety of specific configurations without compromising the invention. For example, the rectangular floor 34 can be "stretched" to provide for additional floor space and/or to realize increased acclivity of the side-walls. The fabric can be further adapted to provide space between it and a separate and/or integrated rain fly. It should be understood that the tent shown in Figures 1-15 can be readily converted into a cabana by substituting for cover 16 a cover which is entirely open at the front. The front opening might be formed by simply enlarging the access opening 33 so that it extends from one end panel to the other and preferably has grommets in the corners thereof so, with support poles, forms an extended awning or shade porch (not shown) to the structure. Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view of a tent of modified construction showing the end panels 120, 122, spreader rod 124, and struts 126, 128, with the cover, which may be the same as in Figures 1-15 and attached to the end panels in the same manner, shown only in phantom lines for purposes of clarity. The struts are secured to the fabric 129 which lines the end panels by engaging in sleeves 130 connected to the fabric. The struts extend across the hoop preferably for a distance greater than one-half the diameter of the hoop. These struts, which are connected to the ends of the spreader rod, may also, if desired, be releasably connected to the hoops and/or end panels preferably by a hooking mechanism at the points indicated 132 and may, if desired, be extended for the full diameter of the hoop and connected thereto also at an opposite point. Figure 17 shows a further modification in which the spreader rod 182 is formed of two angularly related sections 184, 185 which meet at about the mid-point in the length of the rod at which point the rod engages the ground for stability. The opposite ends of the rod are releasably attached to the hoops 186 of the two end panels 188 and/or releasably attached to the circular force distributors 190 to hold the end panels erect. As in the embodiment of Figures 1-15, the force distributors may be secured to the fabric sheets (not shown) lining the hoops of the end panels, but do not have to be. It should be understood that while a spreader rod is desirable, it is not always required. Figure 18 shows a further modification in which legs 254 on opposite sides of end panel 256 are releasably secured to the hoop 262 at points approximately mid-way of the height thereof and extend downwardly where they are anchored in the ground. Legs 254 and 258 may be integral continuations of the material forming the hoop 262. The other end can be identical to the first and vice versa, but as shown has a leg 258 releasably secured to approximately the top of the hoop 264 and extends generally vertically downwardly where it is anchored in the ground. The hoops are thus each rigidly supported and held in an erect position without the use of a spreader rod, strut or force distributor although such may be used, if desired. The modifications of Figures 16, 17 and 18 show variations in the arrangements of hardware including the spreader rod, struts and force distributors. The tent structure of Figures 1-15 may be altered to embody these modifications. The cover although omitted for purposes of clarity in these modifications, may be the same as in Figures 1-15 and attached to the end panels in the same way. The foregoing examples in the arrangement of hardware including the spreader rod, struts, force distributors and bracing support for the end panels in Figures 1-17 can be incorporated in the structure of Figure 19, however, requiring pairing of the hardware because two spreader rods are used. Figure 19 shows a pair of spreader rods 300 extending between the end panels 302 and 304, struts 306 and 308 connecting the ends of both rods to the two end panels, and force distributors 310 and 312 carried by the struts on the ends of the rods. Preferably, the force distributors 310 and 312 are at the 10 O'clock and 2 O'clock positions as shown. This structure collapses as described previously. The spreader rods and struts may be of the construction shown in Figures 1-15 in which the rods have tubular rod segments 313 and an intermediate coupling 315 held together by an elastic element (not shown) and the strut segments 317 which telescope within one another between the extended position shown and a collapsed position similar to that shown in Figures 5 and 11-13. The force distributors 310 and 312 are flat ring-shaped members permanently secured to the end segments of the struts and also preferably secured as by stitching to the fabric lining the end panels to hold the end panels erect. The force distributors may also be secured to the hoops 319 of the end panels. The couplings 315 of the spreader rods may have fasteners for attachment to the cover which extends between the end panels. Figure 20 shows a further modification in which the structure incorporates two spreader rods 320 and 322 disposed in crossing relation to one another. One end of one of the rods 320 is releasably secured to the hoop 324 of one end panel 326 and/or to a circular force distributor 328 which is adapted to bear against the fabric lining of that end panel to hold it erect. The other end of the spreader rod 320 may be releasably affixed to the cover 16 by a flexible fabric sleeve 130 near to the other end panel 334. The spreader rod 322 can be identical to the first and vice versa, or as shown has one end releasably connected to the lower segment of strut 126 of end panel 324. The opposite end of this second spreader rod 322 is releasably affixed to the fabric cover 16 by a flexible fabric sleeve 130 near the end panel 334. End panel 334 may be identical to the end panel 324 and vice versa, and as shown has a vertical leg 336 which communicates with or goes down into the ground. The crossing relationship of the spreader rods adds stability to the tent structure. Several important points should be noted regarding the invention and the several embodiments disclosed. Regarding the struts, those shown as unitary, one-piece members in certain embodiments may be telescoping as in other embodiments, and those shown as telescoping may be unitary. They may also be segmented. Likewise the spreader rods in all embodiments may be either segmented or of a unitary, one-piece construction. The spreader rods may also telescope as previously described. The end hoops in all embodiments disclosed are preferably of a flexible, resilient material capable of being collapsed to one-third their normal size, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. It should be understood that one end hoop may be rigid and approximately one-third, or in some embodiments, one-nineth the diameter of the other and the tent will still be collapsible to the smaller dimension. Also, all of the end panel hoop configurations of the several embodiments herein disclosed are interchangeable with one another. In other words, the hoops of any of the embodiments may be circular or of the various other non- circular configurations shown. They may be rectangular preferably with rounded corners, or flattened on the bottom. They may be one-piece or segmented, and they may be endless or have disconnected ends. All such configurations may be considered annular, that is, ring-shaped, or substantially annular. Likewise, the force distributors and struts of the several embodiments are interchangeable. The struts in any of the embodiments may be like those in any other embodiments and of one-piece or segmented. The same is true of the force distributors. It is only required that they perform their intended function. Some of the embodiments employ one spreader rod and others two. When only one spreader ττod is employed with struts at the ends for supporting the end panels as in Figure 1, the length of the struts is preferably greater than one-half the diameter of the hoop of end panels. If two spreader rods are employed, with struts at the ends of both, as in Figure 19, the length of the struts may be less than one-half the diameter of the end panels. If only one-third, and in some embodiments, one-nineth the diameter of the end panels, the struts may be of a one-piece, non-collapsible construction and remain attached to the tent fabric without interfering with the folding of the tent. The spreader rod or rods may be inside or outside the tent cover. If outside and made of interfitting segments as in Figures 1-13, the segments are preferably non-circular to resist the tendency for them to rotate, and possibly reduce the stability of the erected tent structure. The struts may also be inside or outside the tent cover. If either inside or outside, and made of interfitting segments, the segments are preferably non-circular to resist the tendency for them to rotate, and possibly reduce the stability of the erected tent structure.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. An elongated portable structure for use as a tent or the like, said structure having an end panel at each end thereof, each said end panel comprising a generally annular hoop of flexible, resilient, strip material, a sheet of substantially non-stretchable, flexible fabric in the space within each hoop and marginally secured to said hoop to maintain said sheet of fabric taut and to resist collapse or distortion of said hoop, means for holding said end panels in longitudinally spaced, generally upright positions, a flexible fabric cover extending between and cooperating with said end panels to provide shelter for a person or persons occupying the structure, and means providing an entry to said structure, at least one of said hoops being capable of being twisted into a flat coil of reduced diameter for storage. 2. Structure as defined in claim 1, and further including means to prevent said structure from rolling. 3. Structure as defined in claim l or 2, wherein said holding means includes at least one elongated spreader rod extending between said end panels and connected to said cover. 4. Structure as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein said holding means includes at least one elongated spreader rod extending between said end panels, and support means operatively connecting said rod to said end panels. 5. Structure as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein said rod comprises a plurality of separable rod segments connected together end-to-end. 6. Structure as defined in claim 5, wherein said rod segments are capable of being separated from one another and folded for storage. 7. Structure as defined in claim 4, wherein said support means includes at least one strut connected to one end of said rod, said strut being attached to one of said end panels to hold it upright as aforesaid. 8. Structure as defined in claim 7, wherein each said strut comprises a plurality of separable strut segments connected together end-to-end. 9. Structure as defined in claim 4, wherein said support means further includes at least one relatively rigid distributor in supporting engagement with the sheet of one of said end panels, and being relatively flat and disposed parallel to and in surface-to-surface contact with said sheet of said one end panel. 10. Structure as defined in claim 9, wherein the hoop of said one end panel is capable of being twisted into a flat coil of reduced diameter for storage as aforesaid and said distributor is of a size and shape such that it will not interfere with such twisting of said hoop. 11. Structure as defined in claim 9, wherein said distributor is connected to the hoop of said one end panel. 12 . Structure as defined in claim 9, including means connecting said distributor to one end portion of said rod. 13. Structure as defined in claim 12, wherein said means connecting said distributor to said one end portion of said rod is an elongated strut. 14. Structure as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein said holding means comprises a pair of laterally spaced, elongated spreader rods extending generally lengthwise of said structure. 15. Structure as defined in claim 14, wherein said rods each comprise a plurality of separable rod segments connected together end-to-end. 16. Structure as defined in claim 15, wherein said rod segments of each said rod are capable of being separated from one another and folded for storage. 17. Structure as defined in claim 14, wherein at least one end of at least one said rod is connected to said cover. 18. Structure as defined in claim 14 and further comprising support means operatively connecting said rods to said end panels. 19. Structure as defined in claim 14, wherein said rods are disposed in crossing relation to one another. 20. Structure as defined in claim 14, wherein at least one end of at least one said rod is connected to one of said hoops. 21. Structure as defined in claim 18, wherein said support means includes at least one strut connected to one end of one of said rods, said strut being attached to one of said end panels to hold it upright as aforesaid. 22. Structure as defined in claim 21, wherein each said strut comprises a plurality of separable rod segments connected together end-to-end. 23. Structure as defined in claim 18, wherein said support means further includes at least one relatively rigid distributor in supporting engagement with the sheet of one of said end panels, said distributor being relatively flat and disposed parallel to and in surface-to-surface contact with said sheet of said one end panel. 24. Structure as defined in claim 23, wherein the hoop of said one end panel is the hoop which is capable of being twisted into a flat coil of reduced diameter for storage as aforesaid and said distributor is of a size and shape such that it will not interfere with such twisting of said hoop. 25. Structure as defined in claim 23, wherein said distributor is connected to the hoop of said one end panel. 26. Structure as defined in claim 23, including means connecting said distributor to one end portion of at least one said rod. 27. Structure as defined in claim 23, wherein said distributor is connected to one end portion of at least one said rod by an elongated strut.

Inventors: DANAHER THOMAS C, DANAHER, THOMAS, C.
Applicants: DANAHER THOMAS C, DANAHER, THOMAS, C.
Application year: 1994
Main classification: E04H15
IPC codes: E04H15